Does anyone else have a hard time reaching out...
Not even just to people who know you or care, but even on here. I'll go into group chats and then I just clam up and leave. I don't know how to join the conversation, let alone start one. And I've considered chatting with a listener but then I imagine them sitting on the other end bored out of their mind with how droll I am or how pathetic I am. I just feel so odd and vulnerable talking about myself. How do I get over that? Does anyone else feel this way? (Also, I'm new to posting in the community, so I'm very sorry if I'm posting in the wrong place...)
Yes, very much. I've still only really reached out to one listener and that took months to build up the courage to do. I'm glad I did, but I'm afraid to do it again. I haven't tried any of the group chats yet. I do post on the forums but even then I feel like I'm a burden and wasting everyone's time.
@tluper6491 Omg, yes, I feel the same way. It honestly does take a lot of courage and it's great that you were able to do it that first time. I promise you're not a burden here 
Thank you for sharing (:
@theresaannalee too many personal details in your profile. if they are true, i recommend you cut them.
@RainMann I'm sorry, which ones? I didn't put any full names, company names, contact information, doctor names, or medication names. I thought I was just sharing a little bit about myself......
@RainMann And what on earth do you mean "if they are true"?? I came on here to talk about what's hurting me and to meet like minded people. To get help. And this definitely isn't helping. Where on earth am I supposed to go then? I'm so close to giving up on everything.
@theresaannalee i just highlighted what might be harmful for you. If you are okay with providing that information, your call. I hope you find someone or something that stops you from giving up.
@RainMann I still don't understand what part of it specifically was too much though. There was nothing on there that anyone could find me or identify me by. I can't possibly get help for what's bothering me without talking about it and that's all I'm doing. This is just not a good time for this. I feel very discouraged from being here now. 
@theresaannalee okay, first of all, i didnt think you might aggravate your stress because it was just a simple advice, nothing offensive. Now, i read your feeds. I feel sorry for your dog. I would be lying if i say things would get better for her. Yes! 15 years is a long life for dog. I am really not sure what on earth will prepare for such a goodbye. I have lost some of my non-human family members too. Even after close to 12 years, i still feel the grief of loss. Theresa all i can wish for you is hope you have at least one person around you with whom you can talk to. If not, then this place is full of many (not all) good people whom you can talk to. I really do not have any motivating words for you, but i do undetstand your pain for your dog. Just be with her.
@theresaannale I always find it hard even when I am out with friends I have known for years to get comfortable. In a crowd of friends, I am the one who just sits and listens while everyone else is chatting. You are not alone.
I hate the selfishness I feel from it.
I love you
So many of the sentiments mentioned on this thread are way too familiar. I am slowly learning to recognise that these are symptoms of depression, and learning to override these dominant thoughts and listen to my inner voice (gut instinct) underneath that is telling me to get help and speak to someone. I find that when I start spending more time on sites like 7cups or increase the time I spend researching mental health online, as well as putting in extra effort to help everyone around me at the expense of my own wellbeing, these are signs I'm worrying about something and need to reach out. Still find it extremely difficult though, and can swiftly come up with a million reasons why I shouldn't open up to anyone more easily than I can grasp the courage to put myself out there and speak. Keep going xx
During the vast majority of my life, me trying to reach out for help only resulted in one of three things: me being ignored; people downplaying my problems,saying I'm making a mountain out of a molehill and that I should just relax; or the worst, deliberately putting me down for being "selfish", and saying I deserve what I go through as "punishment". Thanks to all that, I hardly bother reaching out for help outside of people I already deeply trust, since I'm terrified of being ignored all over again. Seriously, it hurts.
I just downloaded the app today after a rough week. I thought I had my anxiety/depression under control after I started a new job but turns out more needs to change than just the job
HI, if you join a groupchat start out by saying "HELLOO how are you guys" i can assure you your live chat listiner is not drooling on the other side. listiners are their to help :) dont be afriad, everyones here to help and be kind just jump in.